Feb 25, 2025
Written By: J.Couch
Waking up early in Waikiki might seem like a challenge, but if there’s one adventure worth setting your alarm for, it’s hiking Diamond Head Crater in the morning. And if you are coming from the United States, chances are you are already going to be up early due to the time change. This historic volcanic landmark, known as Lēʻahi in Hawaiian, offers some of the most stunning panoramic views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. One of the easiest ways that I found to get there? The Green Line Waikiki Trolley.
Getting There: The Green Line Waikiki Trolley
The Waikiki Trolley Green Line is one of the most convenient and scenic ways to reach Diamond Head from Waikiki. This open-air trolley takes you through some of Honolulu’s most iconic spots, including Kapiʻolani Park, the Honolulu Zoo, before heading up toward Diamond Head.
- Cost: The Green Line Trolley offers an all-day pass for $20 per person (prices may vary), making it a great option if you plan to explore other stops along the way. You can hop on at multiple stops throughout Waikiki, making it a flexible choice for travelers. On Saturdays they stop at the KCC Farmers’ Market near the entrance to Diamond Head.
- Schedule: The trolley runs every 60 minutes, so be sure to check the latest schedule to plan your trip. https://waikikitrolley.com/schedule/green-line-schedule/
- Best Time to Go: If you want to beat the heat and the crowds, catching one of the earlier trolleys (around 7:00 AM) is a great idea.
The ride itself is a great way to see Honolulu from a new perspective, with open-air seating and commentary on the history and culture of the area.
Other Ways to Get to Diamond Head
While the Waikiki Trolley is a convenient and scenic option, you can also reach Diamond Head in a few other ways:
- TheBus: Oʻahu’s public transit system is an affordable option. Routes 2, 23, and 24 take you close to the park entrance for just $3 per ride or $7.50 for an all-day pass. From there you can walk up the hill and through the tunnel to get to the main entrance. https://www.thebus.org/
- Driving: If you have a rental car, there is a parking lot inside the crater, but space is limited. You must make a reservation in advance and as of the beginning of 2025 the parking fee was $10 per vehicle. https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/
- Walking/Biking: If you’re up for a longer journey, you can walk or bike from Waikiki, though it’s a bit of an uphill trek and can take about 45 minutes to an hour just to get there. Not always the best choice, you hike up a hill to get there, then hike up another big hill to get to the top.
Reservations & Entry Fees
Diamond Head State Monument requires advance reservations for out of state visitors arriving by trolley, car and pedestrians (walking in). You can book your entry online at the Hawaii State Parks website. https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/
- Prices: As of Feb 2025, see their website for most up-to-date prices.
- Hiking entry fee: $5 per person (reservation required)
- Hawai‘i residents can enter for free with a valid state ID.
- Parking fee: $10 per vehicle (reservation required)
- Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last hike entry at 4:00 PM
- Currently due to construction projects, the park closes early. It is scheduled to be completed by July 25, 2025. Check their website for updated closure information.
The History of Diamond Head
A Hawaiian Perspective: Lēʻahi and Ancient Uses
Before it became a hiking trail or a military stronghold, Diamond Head was an important site for Native Hawaiians. Early Hawaiian history says that Hi’iaka, the sister of the fire goddess known as Pele, gave the crater its name Lēʻahi. It means “brow of the ahi fish,” referring to the crater’s ridge, which resembles the dorsal fin of a tuna. Ahi being the Hawaiian name for tuna. Another translation was “fire headland”. Ancient Hawaiians also used the area for spiritual practices, navigation, and even as a place for fire signals to guide canoes safely to shore. Some historians believe heiau (sacred temples) once stood on the slopes, and it was a key part of the island’s cultural landscape.
A Military Stronghold
In 1904, the U.S. Army recognized Diamond Head’s strategic location and built Fort Ruger, the first military reservation in Hawaiʻi. The crater became a coastal defense outpost, with coastal artillery cannons, artillery bunkers, tunnels, and observation decks to protect Honolulu against potential attacks. During World War II, Diamond Head was equipped with radar stations, pillboxes, and underground command centers to monitor the Pacific. This area played a crucial role in Oʻahu’s defense system, serving as an observation post. The bunkers you see along the hike were part of the military installations used for coastal surveillance and radio communication. Many of these structures remain today, blending into the hiking trail and offering a glimpse into its military past.
The Hike: Climbing to the Summit
The Diamond Head Trail is 1.6 miles round-trip, gaining 560 feet in elevation. While the hike is relatively short, don’t underestimate its steep and rugged terrain. The path starts off as a paved walkway, but soon transitions into a rocky, uneven dirt trail with a series of switchbacks that wind up the crater’s slopes. Along the way, you’ll pass through landscapes dotted with hardy shrubs and native plants, a reminder of the crater’s volcanic origins.
As you climb higher, the trail becomes more challenging, with a long, dark tunnel that was originally built as part of Diamond Head’s military defense system. The tunnel is narrow and dimly lit, so if you’re not a fan of enclosed spaces, you might find this section a little intimidating. But don’t worry, it’s fairly short, only about 225 feet long. Emerging on the other side of the tunnel brings you to the next big challenge. Stairs and lots of them. However you can opt to take a left and see the view point and walk up a slightly easier section to the top, but it still has more stairs.
If you opted to take a right instead of a left, then the most demanding section of the hike is this final ascent, 99 steep concrete stairs leading up to an old military bunker. This set of stairs is not for the faint of heart, but if you need a break, at the top there’s a landing where you can take a break before heading up the spiral staircase to the upper bunker. These structures were once part of Fort Ruger, the first U.S. military installation in Hawai‘i, and they served as lookout posts during World War II.
Once you make it to the upper bunker there is a section to crouch down and get to the outside. It’s fairly easy to get out, but for those that are not able to crouch down, it may be a little bit of a challenge. Once back outside and after pushing through the last set of stairs, you’ll emerge at the summit, the reward is well worth the effort. The 360-degree view from the top is breathtaking, offering a panoramic look at Waikiki, Honolulu, and the endless blue of the Pacific Ocean. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Moloka‘i and Lana‘i in the distance. This morning, I wasn’t quite as lucky, the neighboring islands were only faint outlines on the horizon.
If you take a moment to look around, you’ll also notice the remains of old bunkers and observation decks. There is also a small helicopter pad nearby, all reminders of Diamond Head’s military history. Whether you’re here for the views, the history, or simply the challenge, hiking Diamond Head is an experience you won’t forget.
Final Thoughts
Just remember to bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes. Also, book your reservations in advance to ensure a smooth experience.
Hiking Diamond Head in the early morning is a must-do experience in Honolulu. Whether you take the Waikiki Trolley, hop on TheBus, walk or drive yourself, the journey to the top is as rewarding as the history beneath your feet. After a short hike, you will be back in Waikiki in time to grab lunch and head to the beach.
Would you take the Green Line Trolley, or do you prefer another route? Let me know via the email link below.
Thanks for wandering with us,
The Wandering Couchs
